Enciso comes off the bench to spark Gems win over Pirates

MANILA, Philippines – Simon Enciso scored 24 points in 21 minutes and quarterfinals-bound Cebuana Lhuillier turned back Bread Story-Lyceum, 90-78, in the 2015 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Monday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Enciso scored nine points each in the second and third quarter where the Gems, who upped their mark to 6-4, pulled away. The stocky guard shot 4-of-6 from the three-point area and was 9-of-13 overall from the field.

The boys really wanted to win the game,” said Cebuana Lhuillier coach Boycie Zamar. “But we have to be consistent on our efforts every game.”

The Gems won their second straight game while snapping the Pirates two-game run.

Jiovani Jalalon paced the Pirates, who dropped to 4-6, with 19 points that went with six rebounds. The Arellano guard fired 11 points in the fourth quarter alone. Despite the loss, Bread Story is still in the hunt for a playoff spot with a game against also-ran Racal next week.

Ken Acibar and John Lopez added 10 points each for Cebuana Lhuillier, which never trailed and led by as much as 26, 78-52, early in the fourth period.

Cebuana Lhuillier wraps up its campaign in the elimination round against MP Hotel on Thursday.